Feature
In profile: Rafael Villagómez
Get to know Van Amersfoort Racing’s Dutch racer Rafael Villagómez a little better with an inside look at the 20-year-old’s biggest achievements, his racing heroes, and his favourite tracks.
NAME: Rafael Villagómez DATE OF BIRTH: 10/11/2001 NATIONALITY: Mexican 2022 TEAM: Van Amersfoort Racing
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
“That has been divided into two. The first half was in León, Mexico, which is where I was born. I began karting here but then in the second half of my childhood, I moved to Europe. I lived in Paris, France – that is where my racing career really began.”
FIRST RACING MEMORY
“My grandfather took me to a track in León. He used to race, and he took me to watch and from there I ended up driving myself. I did a few laps in a small kart and that convinced me that I wanted to do it.
RACING STYLE
“I would say that I am an aggressive driver. I like to chase rather than be chased.”
RACING HERO
“Ayrton Senna. He is just a legend. He was my grandfather's favourite driver and he is mine now as well.”
BIGGEST RACING ACHIEVEMENT
“I will never forget when I won the Richard Mille Young Talent Academy in 2019. That was quite special. Eighteen drivers were competing in tests that were spread across two days.
“The first day involved mental and physical tests and then the second day was spent on the track. Whoever had the best overall package won a year in French F4 – it was really special.”
READ MORE: Azman on growing up in Malaysia: “It’s where I like to go for holidays now!”
THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A RACING DRIVER
“You get to drive cool cars and travel around the world.”
FAVOURITE TRACK ON THE F3 CALENDAR
“Silverstone, which I believe was the first F1 track that I ever drove on."